UK's bid for Net time standard is delayed

Bong! Don't you people own a watch…?

The formal launch of Greenwich electronic Time (GeT) was delayed by 13 minutes and 14 seconds today in a move that doesn't bode well for the new global Internet time standard. Despite having three Caesium clocks at their disposal, the GeT consortium still couldn't kick-off the briefing on time at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden. It's unclear whether the delay was caused by technical difficulties or general behind-the-scenes dithering. Either way, it was not a particularly auspicious start for GeT. Once up and running, GeT will be delivered from atomic clocks using the existing Internet time protocol, NTP (Network Time Protocol). Those backing GeT -- which is based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -- say that its adoption is a low-cost alternative to creating a new horological standard for the Net. The alternative, would be to have one time standard for the Net -- and another for "real time". The service will be free and tools will be made available for business and home users within the next few months. The standard has already received the backing of a number of US companies, including Timex. ® Related stories:Britain unveils Net Time grab